Ellen G. White and Her Critics

James White Reviews the Past

Looking back over those early days, James White wrote, in 1868, a series of articles that best sums up their transition in theological views. He is discussing the question of the shut door that confronted the whole Adventist company immediately after October 22, 1844, and declares: EGWC 196.4

“The clear light from the heavenly sanctuary that a door, or ministration, was opened at the close of the 2300 days, while another was closed at that time, had not yet been seen. And in the absence of light in reference to the shut and open door of the heavenly sanctuary, the reader can hardly see how those who held fast their advent experience, as illustrated by the parable of the ten virgins, could fail to come to the conclusion that probation for sinners had closed. EGWC 196.5

“But light on the subject soon came, and then it was seen that although Christ closed one ministration at the termination of the 2300 days, he had opened another in the most holy place, and still presented his blood before the Father for sinners.”—The Review and Herald, May 5, 1868, p. 327. EGWC 196.6

He goes on to show that the prophetic statement in Revelation 3:7-13, which describes the symbolic Philadelphia church, has a direct bearing on the question of the shut door: EGWC 197.1

“Adventists were agreed that the seven churches of Rev. ii and iii, symbolized seven states of the church, covering the entire period from the first advent of Christ to his second appearing, and that the sixth state addressed represented those who with one united voice proclaimed the coming of Jesus, in the autumn of 1844. This church was about to enter upon a period of great trial. And they were to find relief from it, so far as ascertaining their true position is concerned, by light from the heavenly sanctuary. After the light should come, then would also come the battle upon the shut and open door. Here was seen the connecting link between the work of God in the past advent movement, present duty to keep the commandments of God, and the future glory. And as these views were taught in vindication of the advent movement, in connection with the claims of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, these men, especially those who had given up their Advent experience, felt called upon to oppose. And their opposition, as a general thing, was most violent, bitter, and wicked. EGWC 197.2

“The shut and open door of the heavenly sanctuary was the strong point upon which this matter turned. If we were right on the subject of the cleansing of the sanctuary, the preaching of the time was right, and the entire movement has been right.”—Ibid. EGWC 197.3